Tourists to say Slàinte to a Thrilling Scottish Experience

Historic 500-year-old venue to open its doors to 16,000 visitors for a Scottish night to remember

VISITORS from across the globe will be given the chance to say Slàinte to Scotland’s newest Scottish attraction – at one of its oldest institutions.

Surgeons’ Hall will throw open the doors of its historic Main Hall within the Playfair Building to give more than 16,000 visitors a year a Scottish night to remember.

The Slàinte Scottish Experience will run regularly from April to October, providing a taste of Scottish cuisine, history and culture in the magnificent setting.

The traditional evening is the latest development of The Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh Commercial Enterprises, which makes the most of the institution’s impressive buildings, to help safeguard the College’s globally important work.

Scott Mitchell, Commercial Director at Surgeon’s Hall said: “When we heard Jamie’s Evenings were coming to an end something clicked into place and we realised there was an important opportunity for the Royal College – and a fantastic service for visitors to the city.
“There is an undoubted demand because for 40 years visitors have been flocking to these evenings in a hotel function suite. Think how much more amazing that experience will be in the unparalleled setting of our Playfair Main Hall.

“We are hugely excited about the possibilities, opening up a genuine Scottish architectural gem to visitors. In fact, we are pretty confident that it won’t just be tourists who come along.”

News of the addition to the capital’s tourism offering has been welcomed by Marketing Edinburgh, the organisation which promotes Edinburgh to the world.

Lesley Williams, head of business tourism at Marketing Edinburgh said: “With 60% of all visitors to Scotland making a trip to Edinburgh during their visit, the new event at Surgeon’s Hall is sure to add a new exciting dimension to their ‘Scottish Experience’, building on the venue and Edinburgh’s appeal to both UK and international markets.”

Visitors to the new Slàinte Scottish Experience will be treated to a show featuring bagpiping, a traditional display of Scottish dancing and a journey through Scottish history with a difference.

During the show a delicious Scottish meal will be served by the Royal Warranted caterers, Heritage Portfolio, complemented by a choice of wines from the Royal Warranted wine merchants, Corney and Barrow.

But the real star of the show promises to be the setting itself. The Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh is one of the world’s oldest medical institutions founded in 1505 after receiving a Royal Seal of Cause from King James IV.

It is renowned for its Playfair Building, dating back to 1832, including the magnificent, Playfair Hall, where the events will be held. The College is also home to the famous Surgeons’ Hall Museum, which houses collections of international importance.

Manuela Calchini, VisitScotland’s Regional Director for Edinburgh, has also welcomed the event saying: “The Slàinte Scottish Experience will provide a new and exciting twist to one of the city’s most iconic venues, giving visitors from all over the world a taste of our unique culture and our fabulous food and drink.

“The Spirit of Scotland – VisitScotland’s new global marketing campaign – highlights national traits such as our sense of warmth and fun, and the Slàinte Scottish Experience certainly encapsulates this.”

The Royal College is one of the most august institutions in Scotland. It provides education and assessment for medical students, surgical trainees and consultants and supports research to advance standards of care for the future. Surgeons trained and assessed through the College take their life-saving and life-changing skills all over the world.

The college’s Commercial Enterprises promotes, sells and manages all commercial activities held within the College Campus, which include the four-star, 77-bedroom hotel, Ten Hill Place. All profits support the charitable aims of the College which are education, assessment and advancement in surgery.

The nights will officially open to the public on 15^th April with tickets priced at £65 per person. This includes the show, dinner, a taste of whisky at the Address to the Haggis and unlimited wine, beer and soft drinks.